The Common Conundrum: What To Do When You Love Your Job But Hate Your Boss

It's the proverbial fly in the ointment…isn't it? You should be feeling like the luckiest person around. You have a good job in your chosen field and you love everything about your work.

The problem? Your boss. Unfortunately, he or she is a jerk. Maybe a micro-manager, or a sexist pig, or just a plain old pig. Bad bosses come in many different styles. Some are overly emotional and get volatile when things don't go their way. Others may be abusive, get too personal, or are under qualified for the job. It could be as simple as not being able to inspire the best work from their employees.

No matter what style of horrible you are experiencing, your supervisor is ruining your perfect job. You love your job but you hate your boss.

What are your options? If you attempt to get your boss fired you tempt karma. Malicious gossip or efforts at undermining him or her will do nothing but harm your own reputation. It's unprofessional and puts your own job at risk.

Here are some more careful tactics to consider:

Do you have time? A boss about to retire is one that can be waited out. If your boss is entrenched in his or her position, you will have to deal with it in a positive manner for your own good and the good of the company.

Ascertain if it is a personal issue. If so, decide whether you can speak to your boss about it without suffering repercussions. Clearly stated expectations on both sides may allow for an easier working relationship. If you fear repercussions, then a request to transfer to another department, team or office will relieve your suffering. If your co-workers have the same issues with the boss, consider taking it to your Human Resources Department.

Co-workers can also be a great relief when everybody is dealing with a difficult boss. You can blow off steam with allies in your office as well as develop supportive relationships with the co-workers that are also subject to the same boss.

Consider your boss's perspective. You may not be as good at your job as you think. What do you do that is irritating to other people? Do you call in sick every Monday, take corrections poorly, waste time, or have personal habits that may be offensive? Meet your problem boss halfway by looking for things you can improve on at work and in every encounter with him.

Even if your boss doesn't realize or acknowledge the problem, taking ownership of your own actions and working style can make a bad situation bearable and an annoying one disappear. No one sets out to be a crummy boss. Yours is probably doing the best job they know how to do. The boss may not necessarily be a bad person, just a bad boss. Keep in mind their humanity when you show up to work.

Learn to anticipate your boss's actions and behaviors in order to strategize your way around them so you don't spend any extra time or energy dealing with the same frustrations day in and day out. Don't let one person stand in the way of your bliss.

Do you love your job but hate your boss? How do you manage your boss?

Wade Jones is the co-founder of TruYuu, an online service that helps people present themselves as more than just a resume to employers. You can connect with Wade and the TruYuu team on Facebook and Twitter.